Choriyanam (Tragia involucrata) is a small annual herb, characterized for its leaf which causes itching on skin when come in contact with. There are certain small hair-like projections on the lower side of the leaf. These hairs are responsible for the itching effect.

The extracts from this plant has diaphoretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The root-paste preparation is used to evict guinea worms. It is also used in the treatment of itchy boils of skin.

Tragia involucrate belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae.

Cinnamon is a spice used mainly in the cooking of meat. It is also used in the cooking of variety of dishes. The dried bark of the tree is used as the spice. It is also an Ayurvedic medicine used in the preparation of decoctions to treat digestive problems – like diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It is also used in the treatment of flu and common cold. Arthritis and rheumatism also find cure in cinnamon.

The tree is found widely distributed in India and in Sri Lanka.

Cinnamon Zeylanicum come in the family lauraceae. The popular names of cinnamon are Karuva patta, Karuvappatta (in Kerala), vazhana, tamalapatra, etc in different parts of India and in Sri Lanka.

Chittamrithu (Tinospora cordifolia) is a climber with fleshy stem, aerial roots and heart shaped leaves. The heart shaped leaves are also juicy. Chittamrith produces tiny yellow flowers after the leaves are shed in summer.

The plant is used in the preparation of several decoction medicines and Ayurvedic jams known as rasayana. It has different properties such as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It is used in the treatment of different kinds of fevers and diseases affecting urinary track.

Tinospora cardifolia belongs to the family menispermaceae.

Coriander has long been part of culinary delights from not only India, but also from America and Mediterranean countries.

In Kerala, it is known by the names malli, kottamalli, etc. In other parts of India, it is known by the names dhana, dhanyaka, kustumbari, etc.

Its dried fruits/seeds and leaves are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Coriander seeds have anti-bacterial properties and are used to treat certain skin diseases and digestive disorders. It is a good medicine for lack of appetite and indigestion problems. Coughs, rash, fever, dysentery, headaches, etc are other diseases treated with coriander.

Coriandum sativum is in the plant family Umbelliferae.

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), an Ayurvedic herb is used for different conditions like fever, liver disorders, hemorrhoids, ulcers, wounds, dysentery, etc. This herb is also known by the names tamrapushpi, tatri, etc.

Woodfordia fruticosa is in the plant family lythraceae.

Erukku (calotropis gigantia) is a small medicinal herb found in wastelands. Its leaves are broad and resembe jackfruit leaves. The leaves and stem also has a lactic secretion, which is used in the treatment of different conditions including leprosy.

Calotropis gigantean belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae.

Flax seed or lin seed is used in the production of flaxseed oil or linseed oil, which is used for commercial products like paint and varnish.

The edible seeds are used to treat digestive problems like chronic constipation. It strengthens the digestive tract and repairs any problem associated with misuse of laxatives. Flax seeds also help in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It promotes cardiovascular health and have certain properties to fight cancer.

Linseed or Flaxseed is seen throughout India. Flax seed oil, leaves and roots are also used as medicinal parts in addition to flax seeds.

Linum Usitatissimum is in the plant family linaceae.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) is a regular spice in the kitchens of India. Several preparations have garlic as a component. It not only give unique flavor to different culinary preparations, but also is a great medicinal herb.

There is a mythological story about garlic. When the devas of heaven were preparing to drink amrit, the divine nectar that gives immortality, an asura sneaked into the place while impersonating as a deva (god). He really take a drop of the divine nectar, but Lord Maha Vishnu identified this asura. He used his weapon, srichakra. It severed the neck. A drop of Amrit and a drop of blood reached earth. Amrit turned to garlic and the blood turned to onion.

Garlic has soothing effect on nervous system. It also has aphrodisiac properties. It is anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial, anti fungal, and possess several other medicinal properties like lowering hypertension, relieving arthritic pain, etc.

Garlic is also used against infertility. It is also noticed that colon cancer is rare in people regularly taking garlic.

Garlic is used abundantly in different culinary preparations. Some people hate the smell and taste of garlic. Change the preparation method and they too can take garlic with a hearty meal.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a common spice which has application in a variety of culinary preparations. Underground stem is the usable part, and has good effects on digestive system. Both fresh and dried stem are used. It has different applications including arresting vomiting and nausea.

Zingiber officinalis is in the plant family Zingiberaceae.

Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) is used as an Ayurvedic herb, as a body tonic, aphrodisiac and general body tonic. It is used to treat urinary disorders, impotence, etc. The herb is used in America as a body building tonic. Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) contains no hormones but induces the production of luteinizing hormones and testosterone.

It is in the plant family Zygophyllaceae.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii & C. mukul), also known as guggulu is an effective medicine to control blood cholesterol levels. It is also beneficial in reducing body weight and obesity. It also is beneficial in improving circulation, and treating arthritis pain, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, menstrual pain, etc.

Guggul is a resin produced by the tree. The best season to collect according to dravyaguna vignan is autumn. Though guggulu generally reduces weight, freshly harvested resin can actually increase body weight, but older than a year guggulu reduces weight. Dravya guna vignan also suggests the purification of the resin with cowÂ’s milk.

Another important factor about guggul is that it is not generally administered independently. Other herbs or herbal combinations go along with guggul.